Innovations in motorcycle safety for 2023: an overview of the most promising systems

The year 2023 promises to be rich in innovations for motorcycle safety. Manufacturers and companies specializing in road safety are doubling their efforts to offer increasingly sophisticated and effective systems. Among the key technologies that will be found on the motorcycles of tomorrow, we can mention advanced braking assistance systems, blind spot detection, and drowsiness alert devices.

Advanced Braking Assistance Systems

Braking is an essential element for the safety of motorcyclists. In order to improve the responsiveness and effectiveness of braking, several manufacturers are working on advanced braking assistance systems. These solutions allow for optimal distribution of braking force between the front and rear wheels, thereby reducing the risks of skidding or falls related to sudden or inappropriate braking.

Automatic Emergency Braking

A particularly interesting innovation is the development of automatic emergency braking (Automatic Emergency Braking, AEB) for motorcycles. This is a system that detects obstacles using various sensors (cameras, radars, lidar…), and can automatically trigger an emergency brake in the event of an imminent collision risk. This type of device already exists on some car models and is expected to quickly become mainstream on motorcycles by 2023.

Blind Spot Detection Technology

Accidents involving motorcycles are often caused by a poor perception of surrounding vehicles, particularly in blind spots. The blind spot detection technology (Blind Spot Detection, BSD) helps solve this problem by warning the motorcyclist of the presence of another vehicle in their blind spot. Several systems are already available on the market, but the innovations expected for 2023 aim to make them even more effective and integrated into motorcycles.

More Accurate and Discreet Sensors

Future blind spot detection systems should be equipped with more efficient sensors, allowing for detection with better precision and responsiveness. Additionally, these sensors could be integrated more discreetly into the motorcycles, providing a neat aesthetic without compromising safety.

Enhanced Alert Systems

In addition to improved sensors, future blind spot detection technologies should also offer more effective and intuitive alert systems. For example, some motorcycles could be equipped with a head-up display (Head-Up Display, HUD) to project information directly into the motorcyclist's field of vision or with vibrating devices integrated into the handlebars.

Drowsiness Alert Devices

Fatigue and drowsiness are significant risk factors during long motorcycle journeys. To prevent accidents related to falling asleep, several manufacturers are working on drowsiness alert devices. These systems analyze the behavior of the motorcyclist (for example, their posture, movements, gaze…) to detect signs of fatigue and trigger an alert accordingly.

Cameras and Biometric Sensors

To analyze the motorcyclist's behavior, future drowsiness alert devices should utilize embedded cameras, especially placed inside the helmet to observe eye movements. Other technologies, such as biometric sensors (measuring heart rate, body temperature…) could also be used to refine the detection of drowsiness.

Wake-Up and Prevention Solutions

In addition to detecting drowsiness, these devices will also aim to wake up and stimulate the motorcyclist when they are fatigued. Several solutions may be considered, such as emitting a sound or vibrating alert, projecting a bright light, or providing prevention tips through a communication system integrated into the helmet.

Smart and Connected Motorcycles

To provide optimal safety for motorcyclists, the innovations presented here must be harmoniously integrated into motorcycles. We can thus envision intelligent and connected vehicles capable of communicating with each other and with road infrastructures to anticipate and prevent dangerous situations. The 2023 edition of the global motorcycle safety innovation competition promises to be exciting, featuring innovative and ambitious projects that are sure to make an impact.